Comment—Coroner's safety proposals ignored

HAVING travelled through Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal exactly 19 times, I am well aware of its dangers and so can but agree that some simple safety precautions would be well advised.

Those precautions outlined by the coroner in the case where a boater lost his life in the tunnel are both sensible, and as the coroner remarked, ultimately life saving, yet have been ignored by Canal & River Trust.

The coroner stated that there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken, but the only action being taken by CaRT as a result of this death is that the briefing will be extended to boaters entering the tunnel to include more safety information.

The coroner emphasised the importance of wearing life jackets and helmets in the tunnel, but CaRT's reply was that boaters are encouraged to wear them generally, but had no intention of making them compulsory in tunnels, though in Standedge Tunnel they are compulsory, both simply being loaned upon entry and given up on exit, a system that could easily be undertaken at Harecastle with staff already positioned at each entrance.

In its reply to the coroner CaRT admitted that there is a danger of a boater striking his/her head when going off centre line, yet people new to tunnels often go very slowly, ricocheting from side to side, well off centre line, and in great danger of striking their heads, especially on the low Harecastle Tunnel tunnel roof, yet would not insist upon helmets being worn, though it could save a life.

The Trust emphasised that boaters travel through the tunnel in a safe convoy, which is totally incorrect, as we have travelled alone through the tunnel five times.

That the people at Canal & River Trust openly decry the need for such safety precautions outlined by a coroner after the death of a boater, beggars belief, especially as it makes sure that its own people are safe by insisting they wear both life jackets and safety helmets when in tunnels.

We of course do not want to pander to the 'nanny state', and most tunnels being broad posing little risk, but surely Harecastle, like Standedge, is an exception.

Tom Crossley.